Driver strike could affect D.C. freight flow

Truck drivers are planning to protest various grievances this weekend by traveling around three lanes of the Capitol Beltway at 55 mph from Friday to Sunday, according to FreightWatch Internaional.
The group of conservative truckers are planning to prevent vehicles not displaying “T2SDA” (“Truckers to Shut Down America”) from entering or exiting I-495, making exceptions for emergency vehicles, which will be able to travel in the left lane.
According to a press release on the group’s Website, it is protesting against the current iteration of the hours of service rules, the CSA system and a range of non-transportation policies enacted or championed by Democrats.
While FreightWatch officials don’t have a sense as to how big the protest will actually become and if it will actually block traffic, they have recommended that shippers delay until after the protest any non-essential cargo set to travel that route.
“All other shipments are recommended to avoid I-495 if at all possible, as delays will be severe if the event is successful,” FreightWatch said. “High-value shipments travelling in the area should maintain a heightened awareness for possible criminal activity if delays occur.”
On the “Truckers Ride for the Constitution” Facebook page, the group said corruption is destroying America.
“We therefore declare a general strike,” the group said. “Truck drivers will not haul freight! Americans can strike in solidarity with truck drivers!”
The group had previously formed the Facebook page Truckers to Shut Down America, but said the page was itself shutdown.